Dr. Alison Stuart CPsychol AFBPsS

About me

Alison is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with substantial experience working with children, adolescents,adults and families. She has worked in a variety of settings within the NHS, independent/state sector schools and voluntary sector agencies. As a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Alison works using a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, brief solution focused therapy, integrative therapy, art/play therapy with children and EMDR for trauma related issues in adults and children. This enables her to tailor the approach to the needs of the individual and offer brief or long-term therapy. Alison provides therapy to adults and adolescents with a range of difficulties including depression, family issues, couples therapy, anxiety, the emotional impact of illness/chronic pain, eating disorders, low self-esteem, post-natal depression, bereavement, work related stress, bullying, anger management, relationship difficulties and the impact of addiction upon relatives/children. She has also worked for a specialist service with adults and children who were seeking to rebuild their lives following episodes of domestic abuse. As a result of her clinical and research experience, she has a special interest in working with performing artists facing career related challenges and those in creative professions. In addition to her work with adults, Alison has extensive experience working with children and has managed a range of children's therapy services but also works on a consultative basis within primary and secondary schools. She has supported children who have experienced a wide range of issues including bereavement, the impact of parental separation, childhood post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, school related issues, life as a young carer, the emotional impact of witnessing domestic abuse, adoption, anger management and living with an addicted relative. When working with young people, Alison offers a holistic approach which can involve input from family members or school if this is deemed to be useful by the young person or parent/carer. Additionally, she offers parent/carer consultations to address concerns relating to children and adolescents. At the centre of all of Alison’s work with clients is an emphasis placed upon the importance of a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Training, qualifications & experience

-Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DPsych)

-Chartered Counselling Psychologist-British Psychological Society

-Full member British Psychological Society-Division of Counselling Psychology

Other areas of counselling I deal with

-Performing artists- musicians, dancers, actors and songwriters.-Child and Parenting Consultations.-Gifted Children.-Working with schools and families to address emotional/behavioural difficulties.-Critical incident support within schools.-Traumatic bereavement in children and adults.-Stress/bullying at work.-Specialist expertise in supporting children impacted by domestic abuse.-Psychological trauma in adults and children.-Consultation within primary and secondary school in state and private sector.-Special interest in the use of EMDR in clinical practice.-Experience of working with school staff and providing individual therapy.

Further information

Alison is also a visiting university lecturer and supervisor of counselling psychologists in training. She has supervised students from UEL, Surrey University, Regents College and City University often acting as an external supervisor for students who are engaged in adult or child placements.She also acts as an external supervisor and trainer for counselling services, pastoral support teams, primary and secondary schools.